- Homecare service
SDL Kingston
Report from 26 June 2025 assessment
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 7 to 14 July 2025.
SDL Kingston is a homecare agency providing personal care support to people in their own homes. At the time of our assessment there were 60 older people using the service, some of whom were living with dementia, others had physical health needs. The service was able to provide long term homecare as well as rehabilitation services.
This was the first assessment of SDL Kingston. A comprehensive assessment was undertaken reviewing all quality statements.
People were kept safe and staff understood and managed risks to people’s safety. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff managed medicines well, however, we found improvements were required regarding the administration of medicated pain patches.
People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and provided them with information to enable them to give informed consent.
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to be as independent as possible. The provider supported staff wellbeing.
Staff provided information in a way people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the provider took it seriously and acted on it. People received fair and equal care, and staff were respectful of people’s protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. There was a clear governance system in place and regular review of the quality and safety of care delivery.
People's experience of this service
People were happy with the care they received. They received support from regular care workers who they knew well and who they had built a relationship with. They trusted their care workers and felt involved in their care. Relatives told us they had peace of mind knowing their family member was being cared for by SDL Kingston and that having the care had enabled their loved ones to spend a longer time at home. Relatives told us, “Having care workers coming has been beneficial to [their family member] and me. It’s working for us. It gives us peace of mind and a routine which [their family member] likes”; “Having care is a God send.”; And “I just know if we didn’t have these care worker’s nothing would run as smoothly.” People and relatives told us their care workers provided kind and compassionate support, which met their individual needs.